Platelet-rich plasma as a promising bioscaffold for enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration: An experimental study in a rat sciatic nerve model.

Background: Despite advancements in surgical treatments, impairments persist after peripheral nerve injuries, prompting a shift in research toward the microenvironment of injured axons. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), rich in growth factors and derived from autologous blood, emerges as a potential candidate to accelerate nerve healing.

Objective: This study investigated the role of PRP in enhancing peripheral nerve regeneration using a rat sciatic nerve model (n = 8) in female Wistar rats.

Methods: A transected sciatic nerve model was created, with both hindlimbs repaired through end-to-end neurorrhaphy. PRP, prepared from the blood of a healthy Wistar rat, was applied to one hindlimb. Functional recovery was assessed using sciatic indices. At the 20-week time point, histological evaluations were performed to compare PRP-treated hindlimbs with control ones. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results between the two groups using three different calculations for specific parameters.

Results: Walking track-based sciatic functional index (SFI) showed an improvement of 66.0%, 47.8%, and 71.6% (p < 0.05). Video analysis-based SFI revealed a 36.7% and 27.3% improvement (p < 0.05). Static sciatic index calculations indicated an improvement of 19.4% for vertical standing and 26.7% for standing on all four limbs (p < 0.001). Histopathological analysis showed a reduction in inflammation, a decrease in fibrosis, and the absence of macrophages in the sciatic nerves of the experimental group. Muscle specimens from the PRP-treated group exhibited fewer macrophages and significantly less fibrosis (p < 0.05). Overall, PRP treatment significantly improved all functional indices.

Conclusion: This study demonstrated PRP's utility in promoting peripheral nerve regeneration, highlighting its potential for both fundamental research and clinical applications.